THE LATEST IN LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE CRAFT AND SHORESIDE FESTIVITIES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 25-28
SEATTLE, WA – The Spring Boats Afloat Show previews the start of boating season Thursday through Sunday, April 25-28 at South Lake Union with more than 125 impressive motor yachts, a variety of sailboat offerings, luxury cruisers, high-performance craft, rugged fishing models and much more. Shoreside, there is plenty to see and do with quality exhibitors and artists, how-to seminars, live music, tasty food offerings and a variety of beverages.
The region’s largest on-the water boat show offers a boatload of attractions for the entire family:
- The historic Steamship Virginia V, an iconic member of the Puget Sound fabled “Mosquito Fleet,” welcomes showgoers aboard for self-guided tours. Docents will be available to share information about the colorful vessel throughout the show.
- Seattle’s only full-time “pirate ship” cruise company, the Emerald City Pirates, offers free rides aboard the 50-foot “Queen’s Anne’s Revenge” Saturday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. (weather permitting).
- The Center for Wooden Boats hosts “Kid’s Toy Boat Building” from noon to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. It is free, with all the materials provided.
- Area experts share the latest information on boating trends in engaging seminars aboard the Virginia V.
- Seattle Seahawk’s mascot “Blitz” visits the show Friday from 1-2 p.m. at the display for Salmon for Soldiers, the show’s Official Charity Partner.
- Live music, with top local talent taking the stage each day of the show.
Presented by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (NYBA) since 1978, this boating tradition offers a “go-to” opportunity to learn about the latest boating lifestyle and technology trends. Among the scores of boats on display, this year’s “Boats of Note” embrace the latest advances in recreational boating ranging from trends in luxury, performance, adventure cruising, applications of energy-efficient technology and more.
Introductions: luxury and style
Spanning more than 106-feet, the all-new Ocean Alexander 32L features scaled living space usually found only in much larger mega yachts. Presented by Ocean Alexander Marine USA, this five-stateroom head-turner comes with a magnificent open flybridge. M&P Yacht Centre offers a yacht with a suite of premium features, the 2021 Sunseeker Manhattan 55 – the only one in the Pacific Northwest. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D13 engines it combines power and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and exhilarating ride.
New to the Northwest, the Galeon 470 SKY, is a versatile cruiser that handles with grace and verve. Presented by Silver Seas Yachts it combines luxury with performance and spotlights Galeon’s hard-earned design experience and craftsmanship.
Adventure: with comfort and performance
Ocean Pacific Yachts debuts the Albemarle 30 Express, a rugged sportfishing model with sought after features including a modern helm area with forward facing seating for three, mezzanine style seating aft, a full galley and more.
Combining speed with style, the Arksen 28 is one of the latest models in the boatbuilder’s Adventure Series. Offered by Oaksmith Yachts it has an exceptional seakeeping aluminum deep-V hull and a helm and salon providing panoramic views. Also designed to take you where you want to go, the Swedish-built Jaktar J-30 from Cardinal Yacht Sales features a distinctive design and thoughtful details to enhance the onboard experience.
The 2024 True North 34 OE is a “Go-Anywhere, Do-Everything Boat” with accommodations designed for the adventurous who want to experience nature – comfortably. Presented by Marine Servicecenter, the main living spaces (including galley) are all on one level and connect seamlessly to the spacious cockpit.
Innovative design and performance for sail
The Beneteau First 36 bridges the gap between the high-tech world of racing and mainstream racer-cruisers. Signature Yachts presents the culmination of four decades of “First” models combining comfort, performance, elegance, high-tech construction and affordability.
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating displays its newest model for charter: the 2022 Neel 43 Trimaran S/V Amelia II. Awarded “Best Sailboat” by SAIL Magazine in 2023, it features two cabins and three double berths and is equipped with a diesel furnace, bow thrusters and solar panels.
Innovations in electric and hybrid models
The newly introduced X Shore 1 is an electric day cruiser with a multitude of features that make it an ideal vessel for a day (and night) out on the water. This “silent running” model from Signature Yachts sleeps two and has a generous swim platform that converts to a sofa and creates a welcoming social area.
Ocean Pacific Yachts spotlights Greenline Yachts’ hybrid models powered by a new hybrid G6 system, delivering a top speed of up to 25 knots in diesel mode or a maximum cruising speed of 7 knots in electric mode. Switching between these modes requires simple throttle adjustments and no extra buttons.
Plenty of shoreside fun
The show has curated quality shoreside exhibitors with the latest innovations in accessories and marine services, plus a Dockside Marketplace featuring products by nautical-inspired artisans.
Learn about maximizing boating experiences at seminars aboard the Steamship Virginia V, including “Provisioning and Party Planning” with Diane Lander, Thursday 1-2 p.m.; “Go or No Go: How to Understand Weather” presented by Mark Bunzel, Friday 1-2 p.m.; “Waving Hello to Swim Season” with Drew Swanner, Friday 3-3:30 p.m.; Courtney Wingard presents “It Will Never Happen To Me” Saturday, 1-2 p.m. and “Running Your Boat with Confidence: Relax and Have Fun!” Sunday, 1-2 p.m., presented by Trevor MacLachlan.
Salmon for Soldiers (salmonforsoldiers.com) returns as the show’s Official Charity Partner as it provides free fishing activities throughout the year for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Showgoers can show their support by purchasing raffle tickets for a variety of prizes
While strolling the docks showgoers will be entertained by top local musicians including singer/songwriter Doug Rusk, steel drum stylings with Stanley Alleyne, jazz vocals withThe Wednesday Club, lively jazz offerings from the Edmonds-Woodway HS Jazz Quartet Jazz, easy listening selections with Saint John and the Revelations and Motown favorites by The Jewel Tones.
Show hours and tickets
Show hours are Thursday and Friday (April 25-26), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday (April 27), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday (April 28), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $22 for adults 18 and over, $5 for teens ages 13-17, and is free for children 12 and under. Tickets can also be purchased through the show’s website including discounted adult tickets ($20) and a multi-day “All Access Pass” for $35, available exclusively online at boatsafloatshow.com.
“Women’s Day” on Thursday, April 25 celebrates women’s growing involvement in boating, with discounted tickets, an all-day Happy Hour at the show’s Breakwater Bar and a special gift for the first 150 Women’s Day ticket holders. All are welcome, but women can purchase discounted tickets – $10 online or $11 at the door; valid for admission on Thursday, April 25th. For more information visit www.boatsafloatshow.com. The Spring Boats Afloat Show is located at Lake Union Piers on the shores of South Lake Union at 901 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.
About the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (NYBA) is a nonprofit marine trade group consisting of hundreds of marine brokers, dealers, and industry related professionals in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1988, it is the second oldest marine trade association in the region. Members receive boat show marketing opportunities, representation with governmental agencies, code of ethics and mediation, association networking opportunities, and access to the popular NYBA Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) program.
Media Contact:
Barry Bartlett, The Bartlett Group
206-335-4694 (m), barry@bartlettgrouppr.com